Mobilisation to combat organised crime

The starting point for the Government's national mobilisation to combat organised crime is to build on the efforts being made today at the local level within the limits of the current organisational structure and division of responsibilities.

On 17 July 2008 the Government took three decisions that will lead to a clear reinforcement of measures against organised crime. This is an initiative to resolutely and persistently combat organised crime and criminal groups that exploit and threatens core values in our open society.

The first decision tasks the National Police Board, together with the Swedish Prosecution Authority, National Economic Crimes Bureau, Tax Agency, Prison and Probation Service, Enforcement Authority, Coast Guard and Customs, to ensure effective and sustainable actions for combating organised crime. This task includes:
- setting up standing special action groups in eight police authorities and at the National Criminal Police,
- establishing permanent regional intelligence centres at eight locations throughout the country, and
- ensuring a broad representation from different authorities in the Operational Council at the National Criminal Police.

Action groups comprising a total of 200 police officers are the foundation for effective and sustainable action throughout the country. This is particularly important in communities where the local police authority has a limited capacity to deal with this kind of crime.

The second decision means that the Government gives the Swedish Security Service the primary national responsibility for preventing, analysing and combating the illicit influence of organised crime on politicians, public officials and journalists.

The third decision tasks the National Council for Crime Prevention with stimulating initiatives at the local level and to develop a more effective model for cooperation between municipalities, the Police Services, other government agencies, the business sector and other relevant organisations. In the initial phase, the Council will target a number of selected geographical areas. It is highly likely that cooperation initiatives will also be taken in other areas. The National Council for Crime Prevention will ensure that these also receive the support and assistance they need.

The Government is assisted in the work of governing Sweden by government agencies. The primary function of these bodies is to implement the decisions taken by the Riksdag (parliament) and Government. The government agencies are autonomous. This means that they operate under their own responsibility but in accordance with guidelines drawn up by the Government in 'appropriation directions'. One example of a central government agency is the National Police Board.

Ministry of Justice (email to the Ministry)
Published 16 December 2008
Last updated 23 August 2011